Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1554

LOCATION

منطقة شاميكو, Shamico area, Aleppo, Syria

At least three civilians, including a mother, her child and a young man, were killed and several more were wounded in airstrikes launched against the Shamico area in west Aleppo. The majority of sources did not identify who was responsible for the airstrike. However, Halab News blamed Russian warplanes for the airstrikes and Vedeng News

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1555

LOCATION

حريتان, Hraytan, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 14 civilians died and  others were injured in airstrikes on the town of Hraytan in Aleppo. While the majority of local sources attributed the airstrikes to Syrian regime forces, the Local Coordination Committees in Syria identified both Russian and the Syrian regime warplanes as launching airstrikes in Aleppo. According to LCCSY, 14

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2016

Incident Code

RS1556

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى , Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

At least two civilians were killed, and several more wounded, in alleged Russian airstrikes which struck Urma al Kubra, Aleppo. Most sources attributed the blame to Russian warplanes, others did not identify who was responsible.  The majority of sources said that cluster bombs were used during the raid, with @shahed_alep reporting the sighting of rocket propelled

Summary

First published
November 9, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1543

LOCATION

معرة مصرين , Maarat Misrin, Idlib, Syria

One woman died and several other civilians were wounded in an airstrike on Maarat Misrin, according to sources on the ground – though it was unclear whether Russia or the Assad regime were responsible. Most sources attributed the civilian harm to Russia. However, Zamanalwasl was one of several sources that pointed to the regime, reporting that “in

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1542

LOCATION

حزرما, Hazrama, Damascus, Syria

At least two children were killed and others were wounded in multiple airstrikes launched against the town of Hazrama in Eastern Ghouta, according to local media. A graphic image of two dead children in body bags was published by the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Reports were conflicted over who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1544

LOCATION

خان شيخون, Khan Shaykhun, Idlib, Syria

Between nine and 11 civilians were killed, including between six to eight children and two pregnant women, and seven other civilians were injured, including three children and a woman, in airstrikes launched against the residential neighbourhood Khan Sheikhoun. Three of the named children were brothers from one family that, according to sources, had come to

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
December 20, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 11
(6–9 children2–3 women)
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1545

LOCATION

معربو, Ma'arbo, Idlib, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, between ten and 18 civilians were killed, including 13 children, and up to 40 more people were injured by air and/or artillery strikes targeting the town of Ma’arbo in the southern countryside of Idlib, according to local media. Activist Ayman al-Hussein told ARA News that “at least ten civilians

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 18
(13 children)
Civilians reported injured
7–40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1546

LOCATION

ادلب, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed by cluster and phosphorus bombs that struck the western edges of the city of Idlib, according to local media. Some outlets including Smart News published a statement saying that there were no official injuries, but the majority of sources reported at least one casualty. Both cluster bombs and phosphorus are internationally

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1547

LOCATION

دوما, Douma, Damascus, Syria

Seven named civilians were killed and dozens more were wounded, including a child, by alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Douma City in Eastern Ghouta. According to sources the city was one of many subjected to “heavy artillery shelling” and “aerial bombardment” that week. @syriahadath, specified the use of cluster bombs. One of those killed

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 8, 2016

Incident Code

RS1548

LOCATION

عربين, Arbin, Damascus, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes launched against the town of Arbin in Eastern Ghouta – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Russia or the Assad regime. The series of three airstrikes launched against the residential areas were part of an escalated attack

Summary

First published
November 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2016

Incident Code

RS1541

LOCATION

قرية السلوم , Al Sallloum, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and three civilians were killed, including three children and a woman, and others were wounded in airstrikes that struck Al Salloum village in Aleppo, sources on the ground said. While the Violations Documentation Center and Halab News identified the names of an adult female and male that were killed in the airstrikes, @eldorar1

Summary

First published
November 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(0–3 children1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1533

LOCATION

الحمورية, Hamouriya , Damascus, Syria

Between six and nine civilians, including up to four women and up to five children, were killed in alleged Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes in Houmouriya town, Damascus, according to sources on the ground. The numbers of civilians reported wounded varied from 18 to 24. LCCSY reported that “dozens of civilians were injured as the

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(3–5 children1–4 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
18–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1537

LOCATION

البلليرمون, Al Baleirmoon, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and three civilian were killed and others were wounded in cluster bomb attacks against Al Leirmoun town in northern Aleppo. Thiqa News pointed out that this incident was part of a fierce Russian campaign which struck parts of Aleppo with no regard for the civilians in this vicinity.  Local sources, including Baladi News

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
(0–2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1539

LOCATION

أورم الكبرى, Urma al Kubra, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were killed, including one woman and two children, and others were injured in airstrikes which struck Urma al Kubra town in Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Both children were found buried in rubble by the Civil Defence team following the raids. Local sources, including Halab News and Assakina News, identified Russian

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1534

LOCATION

الدانا, Al Dana, Idlib, Syria

Between five and forty civilians, including at least one woman, one child and one adult male, were killed and up to forty were wounded in airstrikes launched against Al Dana town in Idlib. Most sources only reported preliminary counts of casualties and many expected that the number was higher due to many civilians still stuck

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 40
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
24–40
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1540

LOCATION

صلاح الدين, Salahudin, Aleppo, Syria

Between one and two civilians were killed and at least five more were wounded in  attacks on the Salahudin neighborhood in Aleppo, local sources reported. It was unclear what artillery was used in the raid, with 24 News alleging that rocket-propelled grenades were launched against the town while @AbdAlghani_1990 claims they were surface-to-surface missiles. Reports

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1535

LOCATION

بنش, Binnish, Idlib, Syria

Between one and two children died and up to 14 more civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against Binnish town in Idlib, according to multiple sources on the ground. However, one source, Step News, reported that there were no civilian casualties in this incident. The airstrikes reportedly struck a neighborhood of civilian homes. Both cluster

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
10–14
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Town
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2016

Incident Code

RS1536

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Between five and 11 civilians were killed, including three women and five children, and 15 were wounded in airstrikes against Darat Izza city in western Aleppo. The civilians killed were all reportedly members of the same family and included a couple who had just been married a few days before. A video published by JisirTV

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 11
(5 children3–4 women2 men)
Civilians reported injured
15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1527

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Three or four civilians were killed and up to six more were injured in cluster bomb airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha in the Aleppo countryside. The majority of local sources, including Akhbaralaan News and Micro News, attributed the airstrikes to Russian planes while other sources did not identify who was to blame.

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
Civilians reported injured
3–6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1528

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

One or two civilians were killed, including a female child, and more than 15 civilians were injured, from airstrike shelling on Al Atarib city. Local media reported that cluster bombs struck a popular local market, which resulted in many civilians being trapped under the rubble. The airstrikes came during a unilateral truce declared by Russia

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–15
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1529

LOCATION

بابتو, Babto, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was killed in an airstrike on a grain storage center and a mill in the village of Babbto in the countryside of western Aleppo, according to sources on the ground. Images posted by Thiqa News and a video posted by AlBouAzezi show the damage to the grain storage structure that ultimately led to

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
December 19, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
0–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1530

LOCATION

أبين سمعان, Abeen Sama'an, Aleppo, Syria

Five civilians, including two children, were killed and others injured in airstrikes which struck “eastern school of Ibin” in the town of Abin Sama’an in the western Aleppo. Almost all sources attributed blame to Russian aircraft. Syrian Press Center also noted that this strike was part of a concerted campaign by the Russians to strike

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
5 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1531

LOCATION

دارة عزة, Darat Izza, Aleppo, Syria

Nine civilians were killed, including one woman with artillery and airstrikes which struck the town of Dara Izza. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights,  Abu Bakr Al Sedeeq Mosque was the main target. The airstrikes ultimately rendered the mosque inoperable due to serous damage to both the exterior and interior. Some sources only

Summary

First published
November 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 5, 2016

Incident Code

RS1532

LOCATION

الميدعاني, Al Midani , Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were injured in airstrikes that struck Al Midiani town in Eastern Ghouta, Damascus. According to multiple sources, a series of three air raids were launched by warplanes – with LCCSY specifying the use of thermobaric missiles. An image posted by @SCDrifdimashq shows a victim of the airstrikes being carried

Summary

First published
November 6, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1525

LOCATION

الأتارب, Al Atarib, Aleppo, Syria

Between two and five civilians were killed, including two to three children, and others were wounded, including one child, from airstrikes against the city of Al Atarib. Included in the wounded was a child that had to have their leg amputated from the explosion. Once source reported that as many as five children were killed

Summary

First published
November 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 5
(2–3 children)
Civilians reported injured
1–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2016

Incident Code

RS1526

LOCATION

كفر ناها, Kafr Naha, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 15 civilians, including women and children, were killed and between 20 and 25 civilians were wounded in airstrikes launched against the town of Kafr Naha in western Aleppo. Local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. According to Mohammed Haj Hussein, a local media and civil defence correspondent, airstrikes

Summary

First published
November 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 15
(2–5 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
20–25
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1522

LOCATION

ميزناز, Miznaz, Aleppo, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians, including seven children and one woman, were killed and at least 12 were wounded from thermobaric missile airstrikes targeting the village of Minaz. However, local sources were conflicted as to who was responsible for the airstrikes. Syrian Network for Human Rights attributed Syrian regime planes to blame, while most other

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(3–7 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1523

LOCATION

قرية الموزرة, Al Mozra, Idlib, Syria

At least two civilians were killed and several more were wounded from airstrikes launched against the village of Al Mozra – however local sources are conflicted as to who was responsible for the raids. The Local Coordination Committee Syria and @ShahbaPress identifying Russian planes as conducting airstrikes while Syrian Network for Human Rights and @abokantar

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
December 21, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2016

Incident Code

RS1524

LOCATION

الرستن, Ar-Rastan, Homs, Syria

Between seven and eight civilians, including as many as six children, were killed and more than 10 others were wounded in an alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrike on Al Rastan, according to local media. Local sources were conflicted in who was to blame for the airstrikes, with the majority of sources – including Eldorar,

Summary

First published
November 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 8
(5–6 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2016

Incident Code

RS1515

LOCATION

تقاد, Taqad, Aleppo, Syria

Between three and six civilians died after remnants of a cluster bomb allegedly dropped by Russian warplanes exploded in Taqad, according to local media. AMC, HNN and Spm-Syria were among sources blaming Russia. They put the death toll at three civilians. However, Al Souria reported that six civilians died. There are no other details at this

Summary

First published
November 2, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident